Fez — A recent feature by the Daily Mail has spotlighted The English Bookshop as one of the most beautiful bookshops around the world, positioning the Rabat store among globally renowned literary landmarks.
The article, written by travel journalist Erin Deborah Waks and published on February 28, explores standout bookstores from cities including Porto, London, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Maastricht. Yet among grand theaters turned book palaces and historic royal suppliers, it is Rabat’s modest, side-street shop that offers a quieter kind of charm.
A hidden gem near Rabat Ville station
Located near Rabat Ville train station, The English Bookshop is described as easy-to-miss. Its appeal, however, lies precisely in that understated presence.
Unlike ornate spaces such as Livraria Lello in Portugal or the former theater housing El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Rabat’s entry on the list stands out for its intimacy. The Daily Mail notes its slightly chaotic displays, with books stacked and arranged in a way that feels organic rather than curated for spectacle.
The piece highlights the personal touch of the shop’s owner, an elderly kind man named Mohamed Aziz, who chats with customers about their reading preferences, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a community living room than a commercial space.
Rabat on the literary map
While the Daily Mail describes Rabat as not traditionally high on global tourist itineraries, it frames the bookshop as a cultural insight into the Moroccan capital. The store serves both expatriates and Moroccan readers seeking English-language titles, reflecting Rabat’s diplomatic and international character.
The article suggests pairing a visit with a stop at nearby Boho Cafe, reinforcing the idea that the area offers more than administrative buildings and embassies. Instead, it presents a walkable pocket of culture, conversation, and café life.
Standing alongside global icons
The feature includes internationally famous bookstores such as Shakespeare & Co, Hatchards, and Boekhandel Dominicanen. Many of these locations are architectural landmarks in their own right.
By contrast, The English Bookshop’s beauty is quieter and less theatrical. It is rooted in atmosphere rather than scale. Its inclusion signals that aesthetic value in bookstores does not always depend on grand staircases or frescoed ceilings. Sometimes, it is found in human connection and lived-in character.
As World Book Day approaches on March 5, the Daily Mail’s selection underscores a broader revival of book culture, fueled in part by social media trends and literary tourism.
Rabat’s small but spirited shop now shares space in that global conversation.
